Why Choose Breast Reduction?

Women with excessively large breasts may wish to consider breast reduction (also called “reduction mammaplasty”) either for purely aesthetic concerns or to alleviate physical discomfort due to their breast size. Whereas some women are unhappy with the cosmetic appearance of their chest, others may want to lessen symptoms such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches, or improve poor posture — all of which may be attributed to the enlarged size of their breasts. 

These symptoms may have a significant negative impact on their daily activities and ability to engage in physical exercise. In addition to causing pain and other unpleasant symptoms, large breasts may also draw unwanted attention that can affect a woman’s self esteem and make her uncomfortable with her appearance.

Breast reduction surgery can help patients regain confidence and enjoy an improved self image by creating a new body they are more comfortable with and proud of.

Numerous plastic surgery studies have corroborated the positive outcomes of the surgery, including many physical and psychological benefits in patients who have undergone breast reduction surgery.

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What Does Breast Reduction Entail?

The best breast reduction techniques will result in smaller, more shapely breasts that are more comfortable and in better proportion to the rest of the body. The surgery includes:

  • Removal of excess fat and glandular tissue from enlarged breasts
  • Lifting and repositioning low nipples and areolas
  • Tightening loose skin 

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson: Recognized as a Top Breast Reduction Surgeon on the Upper East Side

Dr. Hutchinson is renowned as one of the top breast reduction surgeons in New York City. As an aesthetic Fellowship trained, board certified plastic surgeon, she is widely respected by her peers and patients alike. She has proudly provided care to Manhattan’s Upper East Side for 20 years, and many consider her to be one of the best breast reduction surgeons in the area.

I had such an amazing experience with Dr. Hutchinson! After years of suffering with excessive back and shoulder pain, I finally decided to get a Breast Reduction. Naturally, I was extremely nervous to get the procedure… but within a moment of meeting Dr. Hutchinson I felt completely relaxed and knew I was in good hands! The day of my procedure, I felt an instant relief off of my shoulders after my surgery. Not to mention how FANTASTIC my breasts looked afterwards! I have absolutely no regrets of getting my Breast Reduction with Dr. Hutchinson. She is the best in town. She and her staff were always polite and immensely professional. I mostly appreciated the care I received once I went home, and after hours. Dr. Hutchinson and Lauren were always extremely responsive, no matter the hour or day of week. Her office always remained extremely clean, & comfortable which I found to be especially important during the pandemic. I could not thank Dr. Hutchinson enough for performing my surgery. It seriously changed my LIFE!

DarDra C., NYC

Candidates for Breast Reduction 

If you’re considering breast reduction surgery in New York, you may be a well suited candidate for this procedure, provided that the following apply:

  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding 
  • Have breasts that have completed development
  • Have oversized breasts that cause medical problems or physical/social discomfort
  • Are suffering low self-esteem due to oversized breasts 
  • Don’t feel comfortable in clothing or can’t find clothing that fits properly
  • Are a non-smoker in overall good health 
  • Are constrained in certain activities (sports, exercise, etc.) due to large breasts
  • Experience rashes under or between your breasts
  • Have shoulder grooves from bra straps due to excessive breast weight
  • Need to wear special bras to provide sufficient support 
  • Have poor posture, are hunched over, or have spine curvature (scoliosis) due to the weight of your breasts
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    Teenagers and Adolescent Patients

    Younger patients in adolescence may also consider breast reduction surgery once they have completed breast development during puberty. Special considerations are taken into account when performing breast reduction in teenagers. These include the age and maturity of the patient, and the degree of breast enlargement or asymmetry and its impact on the patient’s psychological status and well-being.

    Patients with Breast Asymmetry

    In some women, only one breast may be significantly enlarged relative to the other, resulting in noticeable asymmetry. Although women often have some degree of asymmetry in terms of shape, size, and overall appearance of their breasts, occasionally, the imbalance has a markedly negative effect on their self-image and ability to find suitable clothing. Breast reduction can be performed on only one breast to improve symmetry and overall balance.

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    Getting Ready for Breast Reduction Surgery

    In order for you to have the best experience with your breast reduction in Upper East Side, Dr. Hutchinson will provide you with detailed and precise instructions to be followed prior to surgery. 

    This includes recommending breast imaging (including mammograms, sonograms, and/or MRIs) as necessary and requirements for medical clearance and bloodwork prior to surgery. It also includes taking care of yourself before the procedure.

    She will talk to you about optimizing your wellness, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, diet, and weight, avoiding smoking, and not taking medication that can increase your risk of complications.

    Dr. Hutchinson explaining breast surgery

    Breast Reduction Surgery Details

    All surgeries are performed at our fully AAAASF accredited operating room on Manhattan’s Upper East Side or at one of Dr. Hutchinson’s affiliated NYC hospitals. Every member of our staff is dedicated to promoting your well-being and maintaining the highest standards of care. Our priority is to ensure that you have the safest and most comfortable experience. 

    Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on the choice of technique and each patient’s individual case.

    There are several different types of incisions that may be used for this plastic surgery procedure, including short scar or limited incision options. Dr. Hutchinson will determine the ideal type for you after evaluating your breasts and discussing your goals and expectations.

    Primary consideration is given to preserving sensation and blood supply to the nipples. This may limit the amount of size reduction that is achievable safely without compromising sensation and function of the nipples. Breast reduction surgery often includes aspects of other cosmetic breast surgery operations, namely breast lift (mastopexy) and nipple and areola surgery.

    Please see the varying techniques for breast reduction below.

    Traditional Breast Reduction Surgery

    This technique involves an inverted “T” or anchor shaped incision and is ideal for women with extremely large breasts, although scarring is usually more apparent. Excess skin, fat, and breast tissue are removed from the sides and upper aspect of the breast, the nipples are lifted, and the areolas are reduced as needed.

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    Vertical Incision Breast Reduction

    Also known as “short scar” or “limited incision” breast reduction, this technique involves incisions that extend only around the areola and down to the breast crease for a lollipop shape. The vertical incision technique creates perky, shapely breasts and results in significantly less scarring than the traditional method. This approach also allows for excess breast tissue and skin to be removed and for the nipples to be lifted and the areolas reduced.

    Excess breast tissue is removed from the sides and bottom of the breasts and the remaining breast tissue is reshaped internally to provide long lasting results. Ideal patients for short scar breast reduction are women who wish to achieve a moderate decrease in breast size and younger patients such as adolescents with enlarged breasts who wish to reduce breast size and are primarily concerned about limiting scarring on their breasts.

    “Scarless” Breast Reduction 

    “Scarless” breast reduction uses liposuction techniques to reduce the size of the breasts using tiny incisions that result in minimal, imperceptible scarring. Since liposuction removes primarily fatty tissue in the breasts, patients who benefit most from this technique have a significant amount of breast fat relative to glandular tissue, minimal excess skin, well positioned nipples, and appropriately sized areolas.

    There are no incisions around the nipples or areolas, so this method of breast reduction is limited to removal of breast fat and does not provide significant lifting of the nipples or reduction of the areolas. Skin reduction occurs as a secondary process following breast liposuction and relies on the patient’s skin elasticity to shrink and produce the final result. This technique is ideal for women who desire a moderate breast reduction and have excellent skin tone. It is also commonly used on men with enlarged breasts to remove excess breast tissue from the chest (gynecomastia correction).

    Recovery 

    After breast reduction surgery, you will likely experience soreness, swelling, and bruising for several days. Patients usually wear a surgical bra for the first few weeks after surgery. Physical activity should be limited for one week, while exercise and other strenuous activity should be avoided for at least two weeks. It’s important to closely follow the detailed instructions provided by Dr. Hutchinson.

    Patients will return for their first follow up appointment with Dr. Hutchinson within the first week after surgery. Sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed and drains are not routinely used. It is important to see Dr. Hutchinson for regular follow up visits to ensure that your breasts are healing properly.

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    Risks

    Although breast reduction is considered extremely safe for most patients, there are certain risks associated with any surgical procedure. Some of these risks include bleeding, infection, unsightly scars, loss of sensation, wound healing problems, and inability to breastfeed. The vast majority of patients, however, undergo this procedure with no serious complications. 

    Dr. Hutchinson will discuss these and other risks with you prior to surgery, as well as answer any questions you may have to ensure that you feel comfortable with your decision.

    Revision

    It is very important for patients to fully understand the potential benefits of and risks associated with breast reduction and to have realistic expectations in order to be satisfied with the results of their surgery. Patients who have undergone prior breast reduction surgery and who are seeking a revision due to suboptimal results, excess scarring, or recurrent breast enlargement may also safely undergo additional breast reduction. For these patients, breast reduction revision options are limited due to prior scars and breast tissue being removed during the previous operation(s.)

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    Results 

    The results of breast reduction surgery are noticeable immediately after the operation and will continue to improve over time. Some swelling and bruising are normal, and will gradually subside. Scars will continue to fade with time and can usually be concealed by clothing.

    Most patients who were suffering from symptoms such as neck or back pain due to their large breasts will experience improvement or complete resolution of symptoms after breast reduction. Breast reduction has repeatedly been demonstrated to produce excellent outcomes with long lasting benefits in reducing or eliminating symptoms due to excessive breast size. These effects are permanent. Most patients who receive a breast reduction in Upper East Side are delighted with their results and the improvement in their quality of life after surgery. In addition to better physical status, patients also benefit from greater psychological and emotional well-being.

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    Your Breast Reduction Consultation

    Before your breast reduction procedure, Dr. Hutchinson will meet with you to discuss your goals and expectations for surgery, as well as to inform you of the details of your chosen procedure. This discussion is very important in helping you achieve the precise results you desire. You will be seen in an elegant, quiet, and unhurried ambiance, and your procedure plan will be fully customized to your specific body and aesthetic goals. Your consultation with Dr. Hutchinson will include:

    • A comprehensive in person discussion with Dr. Hutchinson about your medical history
    • The opportunity to explain why you are unhappy with your breasts and what results you hope to achieve with the breast reduction
    • A detailed physical exam in which Dr. Hutchinson will assess your unique physical characteristics
    • Medical “before” photographs, which provide additional information when discussing your surgery
    • A discussion about your surgical options
    • The creation of a customized surgical plan designed just for you 
    • A discussion about what is required of you before and after the procedure
    • The opportunity to ask any questions you may have about breast reduction
    • An option to schedule your surgery if you decide to proceed
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    The Physical Assessment

    Dr. Hutchinson will go over specific details of your current breast size and physical characteristics. Factors that may impact your results include the following:

    • Your current breast size, including breast volume, the amount of breast sagging, the weight of your breasts, and the amount of fat and glandular breast tissue
    • The position of your nipples 
    • The size and shape of your areolas 
    • Your unique skin characteristics, such as the amount of excess skin you have and your skin quality (elasticity and tone)
    • Any breast scars from previous operations
    • Asymmetry in terms of breast volume, shape, and width
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    Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's surgical practice in Upper East Side
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    Choose the Best Breast Reduction Experience with Dr. Hutchinson

    Olivia Hutchinson, MD distinguishes herself by her knowledge, experience, skill, and excellent judgment. A diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery with advanced specialized training in aesthetic surgery, she upholds the highest standards of patient safety and care. She is sought out by patients who prefer a female plastic surgeon and always aims to exceed her patients’ expectations. She also offers exceptional concierge services for patients who are looking for the ultimate in privacy and convenience. If you’re interested in the best breast reduction experience on the Upper East Side, contact us online or call us at (212) 452-1400.

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